I want to Reset my PC but keep my files & settings, how do I do it?

Anonymous
2024-09-20T20:06:06+00:00

i wish to Reset my PC because I'm having problems with the Touchpad and some windows closing sporafically. I have tried everything to resolve the Touchpad problem but it continues to not work, then work and it continues. The more fixes I try the worse it gets, I have had enough and have been told to revert to original settings. I used Reset on my 6 year old Windows 10 PC and it resolved problems I was experiencing.

I don't know how to do it on my Windows 11 PC and need so me help to get started. Are you able to help?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup

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Solamillo Charity 20,295 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2024-09-26T01:59:14+00:00

Thank you for getting back to me. Did it just stopped abruptly, or did it have any error codes?

Since you're considering sending the laptop for repair, it’s a smart move to back up everything you might need for a smooth transition.

I would suggest to check this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCTZ9tO_BtI

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install.

Please let me know if you have any more questions, I'll do my best to respond as soon as possible.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-09-23T01:05:26+00:00

    None of this is your fault. I blame Microsoft for not supporting backup to portable device and pushing us towards One Drive.

    I will look at the backup software you mentioned but I would not like to back up the Windows I currently have. I would try another Reset PC but not retaining any docs etc.

    Once I have the Thunderbird profile on screen in File Explorer, how do I save it to One Drive?? Then will it update automatically??

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  3. Solamillo Charity 20,295 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-09-22T22:51:29+00:00

    I'm really sorry about this. If you don't want to go folder-by-folder, you can consider using third-party backup software that allows full disk or system-level backups, which may simplify the process for you. Some software options (e.g., Acronis True Image, Macrium Reflect) allow you to back up an entire drive or partition with just a few clicks, and they support external hard drives like yours.

    This way, you won’t have to manually sort through folders, and it can save significant time compared to manually copying everything.

    Again, I'm really sorry about the inconvenience that has caused you so far.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-09-22T22:08:20+00:00

    Your suggestion for backing up my drive, file or folder by folder will take until Christmas. There has to be an easier way.

    I have backed up the Thunderbird profile but I get a location error when I use the same method for Firefox. %APPDATA%\Firefox\Profiles. I resolved the Screenshots folder location problem when I discovered I had two of them. one I could access the other not. I deleted one as the other seemed to have all my screenshots and I could access them..

    I have not tried Chrome and Edge profiles if I knew where they were. This thread is too long to find anything. I used Windows since Windows 95 but most of the time as a user with a Technology manager to sort out any problems. I like to use my PC but I cahad ve't sort out problems any longer. Not having a simple way of backing up files to MY drive when my Reset messed up so much that I now have to sort. I feel I'm on my last Windows PC.

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

    I searched Users/My ID and found very little.
    Downloads

    Favourites

    Links

    One Drive

    Saved Games - I don't have or use games!

    Searches

    That's it. I have no idea where everything else is. I'm beginning to think I should save the Thunderbird profile because I have most to lose there and then do another Reset or Clean Install and start from the beginning. Nothing has worked with Reset PC.

    I would save the profiles in One Drive if I knew they would update automatically else I may as well copy then from time to time.

    When I found the Thunderbird profile in File Explorer I thought saving to the Cloud would be an option from the right click menu.

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